The art of waste management

[I]The only way to take control of your life, raise your standard of living and move beyond merely surviving is to create your own unique product or service that you offer to increasing numbers of people in exchange for the things of value that you desire. This simple formula applies to countries as well as people. A self-sufficient economy has its own products or services of value to export to the world. Similarly, a self-sufficient individual has something of value to exchange in the global marketplace. That thing of value is based on your natural talent, skill, or interest—in other words, your passion![/I]

Just where is this train heading?
Am I going for the ride?
Two questions you should ask each day
and here’s how to decide

First ask, “What number train is this?”
“Have I taken it before?”
If chances are the route’s the same
don’t board until you’re sure

Next, find a high perspective
and then look way down the track
If it’s not a place you wish to go,
no need for you to pack

No need for pointless travel
or to kiss your dreams farewell
Just spend your time on trains
that go to where you wish to dwell

The train called opportunity
departs with all due haste
Last call, non-stop, now all aboard!
no time for you to waste!!

No, it’s not a course in garbage disposal, or environmental stewardship.

The Art of Waste Management involves being able to foresee the likely outcome of certain actions, conversations, interactions, disputes, etc., and simply avoid having them intrude on the smooth flow of your life or business.

Once you start to see the patterns in how certain situations typically unfold, then by asking yourself just a few questions prior to any engaging in any interaction or activity, you can predict where that “train” is heading, and eliminate unnecessary wastes of your time, energy, thoughts, words and actions, and instead focus on the routes that get you where you want to go.

That’s one reason I rarely get into political or religious discussions (read: arguments) with others. Only certain types of people can and should get involved in those types of discussions. If the participants of such a discussion can all “agree to disagree”, and if they simply want the mental stimulation of a challenging exchange of ideas, that’s one thing. If, on the other hand, they’re not able to see the inevitable outcome of being too attached to their individual viewpoints, and are too emotionally attached, then escalating tension, hurt feelings and deterioration of good will, friendships and relationships is sure to follow.

In such a situation, I always ask, “How likely is it that this conversation I’m about to have will result in this person completely abandoning their position, adopting another, and relinquishing a belief system to which their very identity and sense of self is most likely attached? How likely is this action to result in a new outcome if it’s resulted in the same outcome time and time again? In other words, is this a train I’ve been on before toward a destination I already know? If so, maybe I need to exercise some waste management techniques here.

The same approach can save you time and energy in business and your personal affairs. There are certain people, processes, etc. that always seem to produce the same outcomes. It’s been said that the definition of insanity is “doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results.” Are you going down the same track day after day, year after year with the same people, situations and circumstances and expecting different results? That, my friend, in addition to being poor “waste management”, is quite possibly insane!

Note: For more tips on acting on your ideas, changing the game, and creating a passion-centered lifestyle, visit www.passionprofit.com!

Note: There’s a new blog in town! Check out www.blacksonsaipan.com

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Until next week, remember, success is a journey, not a destination!

[I]Walt F.J. Goodridge is author of 12 books including Turn Your Passion Into Profit. Walt offers coaching and workshops to help people pursue and profit from their passions. Originally from the island of Jamaica, Walt has grown several successful businesses in the US, and now makes his home here in Saipan. To learn more about the Saipanpreneur Project and Walt’s philosophy and formula visit www.saipanpreneur.com and www.passionprofit.com.

Send article suggestions, entrepreneur nominations and feedback about this article to walt@passionprofit.com.
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